What does kindness look like in business — and why does it matter for commercial success? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr David Cooke—Executive Director of ESG Advisory, Adjunct Professor at UTS Business School, and author of Kind Business: How Values Create Value. In this deeply human conversation, David shares his journey from a traditional corporate career to leading Konica Minolta Australia as its first non-Japanese Managing Director, where he transformed the culture around a single, powerful vision: to build a company that cares. He unpacks what it really takes to embed purpose, kindness and human rights advocacy into a large technology business — and how that shift created stronger engagement, trust, and profitability. He also reflects on the “shadow we cast” as leaders, the moral and business imperatives behind Kind Business, and how every organisation can align values with value creation. 💡Highlights Love & leadership: What “love in business” really looks like across stakeholders—and why it’s commercially smart. From vision to practice: The pivotal choices that turned caring into a strategic operating principle. Human rights in supply chains: Modern slavery advocacy and how it galvanised employees and partners. Values create value: Evidence of cultural lift, customer preference, and long-term performance benefits. The leadership shadow: How to build psychological safety and alignment without losing accountability. ESG now: What David is seeing in boardrooms and executive teams—and where leaders get stuck (and unstuck). About Dr David Cooke Dr David Cooke is Executive Director of ESG Advisory, Adjunct Professor at UTS Business School, and author of Kind Business: How Values Create Value. He spent 35 years in the corporate sector, holding senior roles at Xerox and Canon before serving as Managing Director & Chair (ANZ) at Konica Minolta. David has chaired the UN Global Compact Network Australia and the Australian Human Rights Institute Advisory Committee, and served on multiple NFP boards. He earned a doctorate for research on building social capital through corporate social investment (recognised with Emerald Publishing’s Global Social Impact Award) and was awarded an honorary doctorate for implementing responsible business initiatives including addressing modern slavery in supply chains. He’s a noted speaker who has presented at UN conferences in New York and Geneva. Connect with Dr David Cooke On Linkedin  ESG Advisory Website Kind Business book Kind Business audiobook  

In this insightful and forward-looking conversation, Shirley Chowdhary joins Carolyn Butler-Madden to explore what modern governance and leadership look like in an age defined by rapid change, technology and social transformation. A seasoned board director, Chair and former CEO, Shirley shares her belief that good governance underpins everything— from commercial outcomes and productivity to culture and trust. She discusses the urgent need for boards to embrace diverse thinking, lived experience and inclusive leadership, and explains why the next frontier of effective governance lies in AI as a collaborative thinking partner. Shirley also reflects on her own non-linear career across law, finance, Indigenous education and board leadership — including how her lived experience across cultures has shaped her resilience, empathy and approach to leadership.From advancing women in political leadership to preparing boards for an AI-driven future, this is a conversation about courage, foresight, and the human intelligence behind great governance. 💡 Key Themes The changing face of governance: why inclusion and diversity of thought matter more than ever AI as a governance tool — the opportunities and risks of boards using AI for decision-making The importance of feedback, trust and positive intent in effective board culture Non-linear careers and the freedom to prioritise family, learning and different goals at different stages of life Women for Election and the need for greater representation in political and organisational leadership The balance between commercial imperatives and social impact — why the best boards ask, “Should we?”, not just “Can we?” 👤About Shirley Chowdhary Shirley has extensive leadership experience in corporate law and governance, alongside cultural and strategic change. She is an outspoken advocate for women’s leadership and diverse voices, and is a seasoned Non-Executive Director, Chair, and former CEO with substantial international experience. Shirley has a proven record of partnering with diverse communities and driving values alignment at board and organisational levels. Throughout her work, Shirley maintains a priority on commercial returns and stewardship, whilst balancing diverse stakeholder interests and prioritising customer confidence. She has a current research focus on how boards can adopt AI as a collaborative thinking partner to enhance judgment, improve productivity in the boardroom, and strengthen governance decision-making. Her work responds to growing expectations on directors to lead with foresight and confidence, supporting responsible innovation while maintaining trust, transparency and alignment with emerging regulatory frameworks. Shirley is currently the Chair of Women for Election and an external member of the University of Sydney Senate People & Culture Committee. She sits on the Advisory Boards of Propel Group, an organisation empowering boards and C-Suites to ‘get social media right’ in moments that matter, and Mentor Walks, providing mentoring to over 12,000 women across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and Dubai.  Her previous board roles include being Deputy Chair of YMCA NSW, Chair of the Australian Institute of Architects, and non-executive director on the boards of the Australian Associated Press and Northrop Engineers. Career highlights include being in private practice at Cleary Gottlieb in New York and Tokyo, Regional Counsel for JP Morgan Investment Management, and CEO of the GO Foundation, an NFP founded by Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin of Sydney Swans fame. She lived and worked for a decade in Japan, and has worked internationally across Asia, North America, Europe and Africa in the listed, private and for-purpose sectors. She has also hosted two series of the Women’s Agenda Leadership Lessons podcast and written a biography for a WW2 POW. In 2024, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Sydney for her contribut

In this powerful episode of the For Love & Money Podcast, Carolyn Butler-Madden speaks with Peter ter Weeme, a lifelong activist and global leader in values-based business. Peter’s career has spanned corporate, government and nonprofit sectors across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. From his early awareness of apartheid in the 1980s to his leadership in the social purpose movement, Peter has always believed business must be about more than profit — it must also serve people and society. In this conversation, Peter shares how love, inclusion and courage have shaped his journey. He speaks candidly about living as a gay man, raising a child with disabilities, and navigating a terminal cancer diagnosis — experiences that have deepened his philosophy of curiosity over judgment and his perspective on leadership and legacy. This episode is both inspirational and practical — an invitation to reflect on what it means to lead with courage, authenticity and love. Highlights from this episode: The role of love in business and leadership (02:09) How apartheid sparked Peter’s early awareness of consumer activism and purpose (03:33) Reflections on meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the lessons that stayed with him (08:20) Why shifting people’s thinking about the role of business is his proudest achievement (11:00) Tackling complex industries with courage and curiosity (16:30) Living with authenticity through a terminal cancer diagnosis (36:00) The power of inclusion and belonging in workplaces (24:00) Peter’s perspective on legacy, leadership and purpose (54:00) 👤 About Peter ter Weeme Peter ter Weeme is a lifelong activist for purpose and a global leader in values-based business. His career has spanned corporate, government and nonprofit sectors across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. With an MBA in environmental management and a deep commitment to social change, Peter has designed campaigns and initiatives addressing issues from public health and climate action to environmental conservation, diversity and inclusion. In his most recent role, Peter serves as GM, Safer Gambling at a hospitality and entertainment company, where he leads strategy and programs focused on embedding social purpose at the heart of business. Prior to this,Peter was the Chief Social Purpose Officer & Vice President Player Experience at the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. There he had responsibility for marketing, communications, safer gambling, sustainability and stakeholder relations. At the core of Peter’s work is his personal purpose: to give people the community and confidence required to solve the world’s social and environmental challenges. This commitment has shaped his career and continues to inspire the many people he has worked with around the globe. 👉 If you’re inspired by this conversation, subscribe to the For Love & Money Podcast and explore more resources at thecauseeffect.com.au. Connect with Peter On Linkedin

In this episode of For Love & Money, I speak with Jeremy Meltzer, Founder and CEO of i=Change, Australia’s fastest growing impact marketing platform. Jeremy has built partnerships with over 400 brands – from Camilla and Clarins to law firms and hospitality businesses – raising more than $12 million for NGOs and impacting the lives of over 2 million people globally. At the heart of i=Change is Jeremy’s passion for empowering women and girls, tackling gender-based violence, and creating a more sustainable world.   👤 About Jeremy Meltzer Jeremy Meltzer is Founder & CEO of i=Change, Australia's fastest-growing impact marketing platform that bridges the worlds of businesses and impact. In partnership with over 400 brands like Camilla, Ginger & Smart, National Tiles, Clarins - and now law firms and hospitality business, i=Change has raised over $12 million and counting for NGOs, $1 at a time, impacting the lives of over 2 million people in Australia and globally. With a focus on empowering women & girls and mitigating climate change - and delivering value back to businesses for their giving, i=Change is leading a purpose-driven business movement. i=Change has won 4 x Australia Post ORIAs (2023, 2022, 2019), NORA’s ‘Best All-Round Sustainability Partner’ (2023), is a certified B-Corp and was voted one of 50 most innovative start-ups in Australia. i=Change uniquely leverages business to create impact, by engaging businesses pragmatically, creating system change from within - and ultimately a new business model. Jeremy believes it is critical we engage business to fund NGOs in Australia and mostly, across the developing world, where funding can provide up to 5X social return on investment - and that we see NGOs as equal partners in security and development. This helps ensure our nearest neighbours can have their basic needs met - and the opportunity to thrive - at a time when foreign aid has been so drastically cut, it is now more essential than ever.   🔍 In This Episode We Explore: The deeply personal experiences in Cuba that opened Jeremy's eyes to the prevalence of gender-based violence – and why he couldn’t walk past it. His journey from olive oil entrepreneur to impact tech founder with no tech background. Why businesses must move beyond profit-first thinking, and what authentic partnerships between brands and NGOs can achieve. How purpose and profit are not opposites, but mutually reinforcing drivers of innovation, loyalty, and growth. The vision for i=Change by 2030 – raising over $30 million annually to create systemic, measurable impact. This is a conversation about what business can and must become when it integrates love, compassion, and human values into its DNA.

In this episode of The For Love & Money Podcast, I speak with Abigail Forsyth OAM, co-founder and Managing Director of KeepCup—the company that kickstarted a global revolution in reusable coffee cups and helped change the way we think about single-use packaging. From her early days as a lawyer to co-founding a bustling Melbourne café chain with her brother Jamie, Abigail shares how a growing discomfort with packaging waste led to the creation of KeepCup—the world’s first barista-standard reusable cup. We explore the highs of fast growth, global expansion, and viral adoption, as well as the confronting challenges brought on by COVID, shifting market narratives, and scaling a purpose-led organisation. This is a raw and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, purpose, leadership, and the tension between impact and profitability. Abigail’s insights are as grounded as they are galvanising—and essential listening for anyone building a values-based business that aims to drive real change. 👤 About Abigail Forsyth Abigail is a leader in the global campaign to promote sustainability. Known worldwide for its bright, bold and instantly recognisable reusable cups, KeepCup is a global campaign for reuse. Since launching the world’s first barista-standard reusable cup in 2009, KeepCup is now embraced by reusers the world over, diverting millions of single-use cups daily. KeepCup is in business for better - a certified B Corporation, living wage employer and member of 1% for the Planet, donating at least 1% of global revenue to environmental causes. Following a successful career as a solicitor, Abigail and her brother Jamie set up their own chain of cafes across the city. Alarmed by the amount of disposable packaging being wasted, Abigail started her search for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way to serve food, and the concept of KeepCup soon became a reality. Abigail has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in the General Division, for her years of outstanding service to sustainable design on the Queens Birthday list for 2021. Abigail has opened offices and warehouses in Australia and the UK, and set up hub operations in the USA to service growing consumer demand in over 76 countries around the world, but the business has stayed loyal to its roots. KeepCup’s HQ is located in the Melbourne suburb of Clifton Hill, where Abigail lives with her family.   🔍 In This Episode We Explore: Abigail’s leap from law to entrepreneurship The inspiration behind KeepCup and how it found early traction How KeepCup became a global lifestyle brand with a loyal tribe Navigating major setbacks—from COVID to cultural backlash Why profitability is vital to sustaining purpose Leadership lessons learned through growth, failure and recovery The evolution of KeepCup from innovation to lifestyle The launch of their new campaign, #SipCheck 🔗 Links & Resources 🌐 KeepCup: keepcup.com 📸 KeepCup Instagram: instagram.com/keepcup 🔗 Abigail Forsyth on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abigail-forsyth-68886211 💡 The Cause Effect (Carolyn’s consultancy): thecauseeffect.com.au 🎧 More podcast episodes: Podcast Page | Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Episode Summary What does it take to turn outrage and opposition into legitimacy and consent? In this episode, we explore that question with one of the world’s leading authorities on social licence and legitimacy. My guest, Katherine Teh, is the founder of a pioneering social purpose company that’s rewriting the rules of mining—transforming the industry’s most polarised conflicts into powerful opportunities for inclusive, ethical development. You’ll hear how this consent-based model is unlocking stranded assets, accelerating approvals, and delivering long-term value for people, planet, and business. We explore: The power of empathy in business—even in high-stakes, high-conflict sectors Why legitimacy isn’t a compliance issue, but a foundation for resilience and profit The real meaning of social licence—and why it’s vital to the net zero transition How the “DAD” model (Decide, Announce, Defend) is being replaced with “DAVE” (Declare dilemmas, Acknowledge issues, unify Vision, Evaluate) Why partnering with Indigenous communities is essential to ethical growth This is a conversation about reimagining what development can look like when business begins with humanity, listens deeply, and leads with purpose. Guest Bio Katherine Teh is a strategist, reformer, and changemaker whose work has helped reshape some of the world’s most complex and contested industries—from mining and renewables to public policy, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Katherine Teh is one of the world’s foremost authorities on social licence and legitimacy. For over three decades, she has worked at the intersection of sustainability, governance, and public trust—bringing sharp clarity where others see only risk. Her ability to align fractured interests and rebuild trust has made her a trusted adviser on more than $200 billion in major projects around the globe. But Katherine’s story begins far from the boardroom. Driven by an early ambition to become a war correspondent, she rose quickly through the ranks of journalism—becoming the youngest female A-graded journalist in Australian history. At 29, she led one of the country’s most influential gender justice campaigns, mobilising over one million women to reframe gendered violence as a workplace safety issue—more than two decades before the #MeToo movement swept the world. Since then, she has led national and international public dialogue processes on polarising issues, designed innovative products and business models to solve systemic problems, and helped industries navigate outrage, restore legitimacy, and deliver long-term value. In 2002, she founded the world’s first social licence agency—developing a methodology that combines strategic foresight, stakeholder alignment, and social impact design to turn opposition into durable, earned support. Today, as Executive Chair of Spektrum, Katherine leads a new kind of critical minerals company—one that does development differently. By partnering with Indigenous communities and applying consent-based models, she and her team are unlocking stranded assets, accelerating approvals, and creating nature-positive regional futures. Katherine is on a mission to transform not just who development is done with—but how it’s done, and what it leaves behind. She builds systems that restore legitimacy, resolve conflict, and demonstrate that ethical, inclusive development isn’t a trade-off—it’s the foundation for resilience and long-term success. She’s an entrepreneur. An activist. A visionary. And a woman who’s never waited for permission to lead. Resources & Links: Learn more about Spektrum: https://www.spektrumdevelopment.com/ Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn: Katherine Teh Book Mentioned: Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman More for You: Explore how purpose-led business can drive systemic change:👉 thecauseeffect.com.au Grab your copy of For Love & Money—and help protect rainforest with every sale:📗 Buy the book

Episode Summary In Part 2 of this two-part feature on Woollahra Council’s transformation, Carolyn speaks with Craig Swift-McNair, the Council’s General Manager. Craig offers a refreshingly candid account of what it takes to embed purpose and values across a whole organisation. He reflects on the early culture challenges, the creation of a new leadership structure, and how trust, honesty and consistency enabled real change to take root. From navigating tough decisions—like a significant restructure—to seeing the payoff in a post-redundancy engagement survey, Craig shares how a unifying purpose helped guide the organisation through both challenge and change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - How leadership enables culture and values to move beyond strategy documents. - Why organisational transformation requires investment in people. - The challenges of shifting legacy mindsets and breaking down silos. - How a clear purpose and set of values can guide even the most difficult decisions. - The importance of embedding purpose into leadership behaviours, not just branding. - What it looks like to lead with honesty, integrity, and accountability. Key Themes Discussed Aligning a leadership team around shared purpose Leading through transformation and restructure Reimagining culture in a historically siloed organisation Building a respectful, values-led workplace culture The role of storytelling, transparency, and consistency in leadership Why council staff engagement improved after one of the toughest periods Guest Bio Craig Swift-McNair is the General Manager at Woollahra Council in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, a role he commenced in July 2020. Prior to this, he was the General Manager of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on the mid north coast of NSW, from 2014 to 2020. Craig has spent over 20 years in local government in NSW in a range of roles across three Councils and prior to his time in the public sector, he had a twenty-five-year career in the private sector. Craig is dedicated to giving back to the local government sector and as part of that, he has been on the Board of Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW since 2018 and is currently the Vice President. Craig is focused on building a strengths-based and values-based organisation that delivers on its purpose; provides its people with opportunities to grow in their roles and as individuals, which in turn delivers an improved customer experience and services for our community. Links and Resources Woollahra Council Vision, Mission & Values: Woollahra Council Website Episode 81 (Part 1): Patricia Occelli on Culture, Community & Customer Experience Connect with Carolyn Butler-Madden: LinkedIn | The Cause Effect Explore For Love & Money Podcast: Podcast Homepage Buy Carolyn’s book For Love & Money 

Episode Summary: In this episode of the For Love and Money podcast, In this episode, Carolyn Butler-Madden speaks with Patricia Occelli, Director of Community and Customer Experience at Woollahra Council. Patricia shares the story of how doing the work to create a unifying purpose transformed the Council’s vision, culture, and strategic direction. What began as a challenge to create a meaningful customer experience strategy evolved into a whole-of-organisation transformation—fuelled by purpose and a deep commitment to community. Patricia reflects on the pivotal moments, the leadership challenges, and the lasting cultural shifts that followed. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on Woollahra Council’s purpose-led transformation. Part 2 features General Manager, Craig Swift McNair, sharing his perspective on the transformation process. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How a unifying purpose can drive whole-of-organisation transformation Why purpose is essential in local government and public service How to bridge silos and shift culture with a shared North Star The difference between customer service and customer experience What it takes to embed values that guide everyday behaviour How the council has seen results in both internal culture and community engagement Key Themes Discussed The transformational impact of a unifying purpose Bridging organisational silos with a shared North Star Driving cultural change in complex public environments The role of language, values, and tone of voice in public service Why brand archetypes matter for councils and community connection How purpose-aligned strategy drives both internal and external outcomes Stay tuned for Part 2, Episode 82, where Carolyn speaks with Craig Swift-McNair, Woollahra Council’s General Manager, to further explore the leadership behind this transformation. Guest Bio Patricia Occelli is the Director of Community and Customer Experience at Woollahra Council, leading customer experience, communications, community engagement, cultural and arts initiatives, and Woollahra Libraries. With over 35 years of leadership in the human services sector, Patricia has driven transformation across local and state government and the for-purpose sector. She is passionate about social justice and delivering high-quality services that make a real difference in people’s lives. Her expertise spans service integration, cultural reform, customer-centric design, and staff engagement. She has successfully led ICT transformations, governance frameworks, and operational efficiencies—all while fostering empowered employees and engaged communities. A strategic leader, Patricia is committed to shaping innovative, sustainable, and impactful services. Links and Resources Woollahra Council Vision, Mission & Values: Woollahra Council Website Connect with Patricia Occelli on Linkedin Carolyn Butler-Madden: LinkedIn | The Cause Effect Learn more about the For Love & Money Podcast

Episode Summary In this powerful and deeply thoughtful episode, political economist and changemaker Katherine Trebeck joins Carolyn to explore what it means to build an economy that works for people and planet. Katherine shares her journey from working with Oxfam and Rio Tinto to co-founding the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll), and how her work is reshaping the way we define economic success.Together, they unpack the shortcomings of our current growth-at-all-costs model and what’s possible when we embrace a wellbeing economy — one designed with purpose, prevention, equity, and people-powered participation at its core. Katherine also reflects on the rise of Trumpism, the role of business in systemic change, and where she finds hope in uncertain times. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why GDP is an outdated and inadequate measure of progress What a wellbeing economy is — and what it looks and feels like in practice The 'four Ps' of a wellbeing economy: Purpose, Prevention, Pre-distribution, and People-powered How businesses can be powerful actors in system change Why the current economic system is driving disconnection and despair The impact of far-right populism and why it signals an urgent need for economic transformation The power of storytelling and imagination in creating systemic change Key Themes Discussed Economic system change and the rise of the wellbeing economy movement False binaries: economy vs society, business vs love Reimagining success: from growth to wellbeing Practical pathways for transforming economic structures The danger of failing systems and the opportunity they create for bold leadership Community, belonging, and the importance of connection in resilience The role of business leaders in shaping a more just and sustainable future Guest Bio Katherine Trebeck is a political economist, writer and advocate for economic system change. She co-founded the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) and WEAll Scotland, and played a key role in initiating the Wellbeing Economy Governments (WEGo) partnership. Katherine is Writer-at-Large and Co-Director of the Compassion in Financial Services Hub at the University of Edinburgh, and Strategic Advisor for the Centre for Policy Development. She also serves in advisory and governance roles for numerous progressive economic institutions around the world. Links & Resources Katherine’s website Follow Katherine on LinkedIn Follow Katerine on BlueSky Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) Katherine’s TEDx Talk: “Why the Future Economy has to be a Wellbeing Economy” Carolyn Butler-Madden on LinkedIn: As mentioned in the episode: Link to video of “Restaurant of Mistaken Orders” The “Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism” book by Anne Case and Angus Deaton More episodes of the For Love & Money Podcast

Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of the For Love & Money Podcast, Carolyn Butler-Madden speaks with David Ferreira, Head of Marketing at wholesale bakery Bob & Pete’s, about their transformative journey toward becoming a purpose-led business. What started with one passionate junior marketer asking the tough questions—“What are we doing for our community and our planet?”—has evolved into a deeply embedded purpose strategy that permeates every part of Bob & Pete’s operations. From waste reduction and food donations to employee engagement and redefining sustainability in the food industry, David shares the real, raw and practical story of how purpose—“Baking Things Better”—became the foundation for stronger culture, deeper customer relationships, and sustainable profit. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, marketers, and purpose-driven professionals seeking to integrate meaningful impact with business performance. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔ How Bob & Pete’s uncovered and activated their business purpose: “Baking Things Better”✔ The surprising origins of their purpose strategy—and the impact of one junior employee’s bold questions✔ How purpose drives decision-making across safety, sustainability, and innovation✔ The creation of the Foodbank Donut and how it's helped provide nearly 60,000 meals to Australians in need✔ Practical insights on engaging employees and embedding values deeply into business culture✔ The importance of measuring what matters—from waste, power and water usage to employee engagement and customer alignment✔ How being purpose-led helped Bob & Pete’s achieve top-tier results in Gallup’s global employee engagement benchmarks Key Themes Discussed Purpose in Practice: How Bob & Pete’s purpose drives everyday operational decisions, from food safety to packaging and energy use People First: Embedding values across the workforce, from factory floor to leadership, and measuring impact through employee engagement The Power of One: The ripple effect of one young employee’s purpose-fuelled initiative that sparked systemic change Purpose-Driven Innovation: Turning food waste into new products and repurposing bakery waste to benefit the community and environment Strategic Partnerships: The evolution of a deep, meaningful partnership with Foodbank that goes beyond donations Courage and Conviction: Navigating internal pushback to stay true to a long-term purpose-led vision Impact Aspirations: David’s bold vision for reaching 100,000 donated meals through the Foodbank Donut initiative About Our Guest – David Ferreira David Ferreira is the Head of Marketing at Bob & Pete’s, a wholesale bakery supplying quality baked goods to cafés across Australia. With a rich background in FMCG marketing and operations, David brings a deeply human, practical and strategic approach to leading purpose within the business. Over the past seven years, he has championed Bob & Pete’s purpose journey—from guiding the articulation of their higher purpose “Baking Things Better,” to embedding it in their values, operations, and stakeholder relationships. David is a passionate advocate for businesses being a force for good, showing that purpose doesn’t just inspire—it delivers. Connect with David and Bob & Pete's Bob & Pete's website David Ferreira on Linkedin  

Episode Summary: Welcome to the For Love and Money podcast, where Carolyn Butler-Madden explores the intersection of business and social purpose. In this episode, Carolyn sits down with Hunter Leonard—business owner, author, speaker, and advocate for ending ageism. As the CEO of Blue Frog Marketing, Hunter has helped over 500 businesses drive strategic growth. He also pioneered solutions for mature professionals transitioning into business ownership. Through his extensive research, bestselling books, and thought leadership, Hunter challenges outdated business norms and offers evidence-based strategies for purpose-driven success. Carolyn and Hunter explore what it truly means to create change through business, from leveraging experience and wisdom to redefining leadership and workplace inclusivity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why experience is an untapped asset in business and how mature professionals can drive innovation. How purpose can be integrated into business strategy for long-term impact. The importance of evidence-based solutions in leadership and decision-making. The role of storytelling in shaping business success and challenging societal norms. How businesses can give back to communities while driving profitability.  Key Themes Discussed: Challenging Ageism in Business: Hunter shares how his work empowers mature professionals to thrive in business ownership and leadership. The Power of Experience: Why knowledge and wisdom should be valued assets in driving business growth and innovation. Purpose Beyond Profit: How Hunter integrates purpose into his business strategies while achieving measurable results. Evidence-Based Business Strategy: The importance of research and data in making informed business decisions. Storytelling & Legacy: Hunter’s journey as an author and ghostwriter, helping business leaders shape their narratives and impact. Featured Guest: Hunter Leonard – CEO of Blue Frog Marketing, author of 10 books, business strategist, and advocate for ending ageism in the workplace. Hunter Leonard is a business owner, author and speaker who has developed a significant reputation for outstanding marketing and strategic growth as the CEO of Blue Frog Marketing. Hunter has also been active as an advocate for ending ageism and is achieving this through positive and practical solutions helping mature individuals with business ownership training and work transition programs. His aim is to change the world one mature age individual at a time. Hunter has authored ten books including the Amazon best sellers - The Experience Equation and Generation Experience. Both these books were named as finalists in the Australian Career Book Awards. Red Giraffe was a hot new release on AMAZON in several categories. His organisations have won six major awards for marketing excellence as well as being listed in both the Smart 100 and Cool 100 Awards in 2018. Hunter believes in evidence-based solutions and has surveyed more than 12,000 business owners to develop the services offered by his organisations. He has delivered over 800 seminars and presentations and contributed to over $2 billion in sales growth for his 500+ clients since 2001. Blue Frog Marketing is also active in giving back to the community via pro-bono work for various groups including Landcare, and through donations when new clients are onboarded. He is highly regarded for his warmth, generosity, innovative thinking and his ability to get measurable results for his clients. Hunter is working on book #11 - The 8 Rooms of Business, introducing a new way to become a better business owner. As a ghostwriter, Hunter shares the stories and advice of business and community leaders and a recent project is also a best seller in 8 categories in the USA market. When not running his business, Hunter is a keen bushwalker, musician, photographer and cook. Resources & Links: Blue Frog Marketing – Company Website Hunter Leonard’s Books – on Amazon  Connect

Episode Summary:  In this episode of For Love & Money, Carolyn Butler-Madden is joined by Chris Hudson, Founder & CEO of Company Road, to explore how his own personal purpose has driven his work in catalysing organisational change. Chris shares his journey from childhood to the Ad Agency world, through corporate marketing to entrepreneurship—driven by curiosity and a deep desire to challenge the status quo. They discuss how leaders can embed purpose into their work, create meaningful cultural transformation, and reimagine traditional business models through curiosity, storytelling, and innovation. This conversation unpacks the emotional and strategic aspects of change-making, exploring how work can become more than a means to an end and instead a space for experimentation, personal fulfilment, and systemic impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Discover how Chris Hudson's personal purpose inspires him to drive business transformation, challenge leadership norms, and create innovative workplaces. How personal purpose can lead your work choices and inspire new business ventures. Why curiosity and questioning assumptions are essential for both innovation and leadership. The concept of 'intrapreneurship' and how employees can drive change within organisations. How designing customer experiences can be an experience itself. The parallels between performance in music, art, and leadership at work. How work environments can be stretched beyond conventional structures to foster engagement, creativity, and impact. The need to challenge traditional leadership archetypes and embrace humility in leadership. Why leaders must deeply understand their teams to create productive and fulfilling workplaces. Key Themes Discussed: Curiosity as a Leadership Skill: Chris reflects on how his innate curiosity has inspired his career path and his belief that curiosity is a critical tool for fostering change. Intrapreneurs as Rebels: Chris highlights how intrapreneurs are the 'rebels' of an organisation, pushing against the norm to drive meaningful change from within. Work as an Expansive Concept: The conversation explores how traditional work structures can be stretched and reimagined to create environments that promote innovation, fulfillment, and purpose. The Experience of Designing an Experience: Chris discusses how designing a customer experience can be an enriching experience for the people creating it, not just the end users. The Art of Leadership as Performance: Using music and art as an analogy, Chris draws parallels between great performances and the leadership required to create an engaging work culture. Challenging the Alpha Leadership Model: Chris calls for a shift away from the traditional dominant leadership style, advocating instead for consultative and humble leadership that fosters collaboration. Understanding People to Drive Productivity: Leaders need to invest time in truly understanding their teams to create a work environment that is both high-performing and human-centered. Featured Guest: Chris Hudson – Founder & CEO of Company Road, host of the Company Road Podcast, and an advocate for purpose-driven organizational change. Chris is an Intrapreneurship Coach and Founder of Company Road, a business transformation coaching and consultancy. He formed his business in response to seeing over-niching and specialisation as a significant barrier to change within corporates.During his career, he’s worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally. Chris is also a fellow podcast host. The Company Road Podcast explores what it takes for intrapreneurs to change companies and organisations and inspire personal growth for themselves. I’ve li

In this special episode of For Love & Money, we celebrate the launch of What Is Love, an anthology of unconventional love stories from a global community of storytellers. Host Carolyn Butler-Madden is joined by Rumi Tsuchihashi, the book’s editor, along with contributors Leanne Fournier and Sabah Mirza, to explore the profound role of love in storytelling and life. Through heartfelt conversations and personal readings, this episode delves into the power of love as a force for connection, healing, and transformation.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How What Is Love came to life through the Story Republic community. Rumi Tsuchihashi’s journey to becoming the book’s editor and her reflections on the power of personal storytelling. The role of love in business and the broader world, as explored by the guests. Deeply personal readings from contributors, sharing their unique perspectives on love. Insights into how storytelling can shift perspectives and open hearts. Featured Guests: Rumi Tsuchihashi – Editor of What Is Love, author of three essay collections, and a contributor to The New York Times’ Tiny Love Stories column. Leanne Fournier – Canadian copywriter, journalist, and storyteller, who shares a deeply personal story of love, resilience, and family. Sabah Mirza – Writer and former corporate professional who rediscovered her love for storytelling and shares an emotionally resonant piece about love, loss, and advocacy. Key Themes Discussed: The underestimated power of love as a motivator in life and business. How stories shape our identities and understanding of love. The importance of listening deeply and telling honest stories. The impact of community and creative expression in fostering human connection. Guest Bios Rumi Tsuchihashi - Editor Rumi Tsuchihashi is an essayist who spreads the word about the life changing joys of all things tiny. Her first book I Want To Remember This: Recognising the Tiny Moments That Make Up a Life, led to her 100-word essay, 'Where Our Palms Touch', getting published the "Tiny Love Stories" column in the New York Times. As an editor and coach, Rumi helps emerging authors put potent stories and pocket-sized books out into the world. Her upcoming book, I Want This for Us: The Tiny Moments That Give Marriage A Chance, connects the dots from heartbreak to second marriage in a series of vignettes. Learn more about Rumi here or visit her nudge newsletter on substack.   Leanne Fournier - contributing author Leanne Fournier writes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in the stunning wilderness of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Her creative work is infused with vivid imagery and a profound sense of place, evident in her beautifully illustrated poetry collection. The collection explores the contradictions and parallels she sees around human connection and belonging—and is set to be released in 2025. Leanne founded MightyWrite—Write for Business, where she helps clients tell stories with clarity and impact and find their unique voice. A passionate writer and social justice advocate, Leanne publishes stories about the people most often unseen and unheard at mightywrite.substack.com. You can also read more about her work at mightywrite.ca.   Sabah Mirza - contributing author Sabah Mirza is a business advisor, facilitator, and writer whose work is grounded in the ethics of human worth and dignity.  She creates workshops bringing leaders and teams together to build bridges of empathy, connection, and belonging through interactive games, reflections, and personal story sharing. With a BSME from MIT, an MBA from Stanford University, and decades of personal, professional, and spiritual journeying, Sabah brings a unique, heart-centered approach to professional development and team building. Find Sabah's stories about heart-centered living, learning, and leading at sabahwrites.substack.com. Learn more about Sabah’s workshops at sabahmirza.com.   LINKS What Is Love Book Learn more here Buy th

In this episode of For Love & Money, Carolyn Butler-Madden dives into the transformative world of ethical fashion with Lalita Lowe—TEDx speaker, author, fashion designer and advocate for sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Lalita shares her journey from working with leading designers in Paris and New York to becoming a champion of slow fashion and ethical production in Australia. Drawing from her must-watch TEDx Talk, Every Piece of Clothing Has a Story, Lalita unpacks the hidden costs of fast fashion, the ripple effects of our purchasing decisions, and the power of storytelling in fostering behavior change. Discover how Lalita is inspiring a shift in the fashion industry and learn how even small, thoughtful choices can create a big impact for the planet and its people. What You'll Learn: The economic and environmental consequences of fast fashion. How every piece of clothing tells a story—from the fibres to the people behind its creation. The role of love and care in building purpose-driven businesses. Practical tips for making more conscious fashion choices. How Lalita is redefining sustainability through collaboration and transparency. How Australians are one of the world's biggest fashion consumers (actually the world's BIGGEST, as of May 2024)   About Lalita Lowe: Lalita Lowe, author of "It’s Time to Rethink Your Fashion - Creating a Better Future," emphasises examining our values and understanding the impact of our clothing choices on the planet. She believes education is crucial for advancing a more considered and responsible fashion future. As a trained fashion designer and sustainability educator, Lalita has worked globally, from Australia to New York and Paris, and has served on the Fashion Advisory Board of RMIT. With a global perspective and a deep understanding of the fashion industry, Lalita is attuned to its current state and future direction. Her fascination with fabrics and textures, along with her appreciation for traditional techniques used by artisans worldwide, underscores her commitment to sustainable fashion Lalita runs her own eponymous fashion brand, known for the "From Farm to Fibre to Fashion" campaign, featuring ethical, sustainable wool from Tasmania. This campaign has garnered significant media and industry attention. . Lalita’s TEDx talk 'Every Piece of Clothing Has a Story’ focuses around this campaign. Lalita weaves her talk around a picture of a good story and a bad story asking us to consider the part we all play in the story of the clothes we wear.  Links & Resources: Lalita Lowe’s Website Lalita’s TEDx Talk: Every Piece of Clothing Has a Story  Book: It’s Time to Rethink Your Fashion Lalita's Linkedin Profile Learn more about the Tasmanian Fashion Festival Connect with Us: Host: Carolyn Butler-Madden | Website | LinkedIn The Cause Effect Consultancy website Enjoying the Podcast? Buy the For Love & Money book  

Today’s guest is Ash Rosshandler - a thought leader in corporate social responsibility and the founder of GoodCompany, Australia and New Zealand’s largest unified platform for Workplace Giving, Volunteering, Fundraising, and Rewards. Under his leadership, GoodCompany has driven over $100 million in impact through donations, volunteering, and corporate engagement, helping thousands of charities connect with much-needed support. Ash has been at the forefront of social innovation, creating Australia’s first Charity Gift Card and the GoodCompany Volunteer Mystery Bus and loves giving solutions that empower companies like Optus, ANZ, CSL, NBN, and Medibank to align their business strategies with social good.  He’s a champion for scalable social impact, and is dedicated to helping companies become forces for good.  In this interview, Ash shares his background and what led him to doing what he does today as CEO of Good Company. We get into how important it is to employees to find meaning in their jobs; and the role of volunteering, including some of the personal expectations that come with it. He explains the benefits that Good Company can bring to businesses, charities and individuals. And he shares some of the initiatives that Good Company has created. My personal faves… the Volunteer Mystery Bus and Chooseday.   Connect with Ash Ash on Linkedin Good Company website Learn about the Volunteer Mystery Bus Choosedays Volunteer at Garma    

Welcome to another insightful episode of the For Love and Money podcast. Join host Carolyn Butler-Madden as she delves into the world of purpose-driven business with Jenni Harding, founder and managing director of Greatest Good. Jenni is driven to create opportunities for positive behavioural, social and systemic change in business and society. From working/consulting in the investment industry, to founding a social enterprise, she contributes to a world where everyone can flourish and thrive. She combines 35+ years working in the investment industry, performing due diligence; governance, risk and compliance; and positive strategy, people and change management, with 30+ years providing pro-bono/low-bono and volunteering in the for-purpose sector. She is the founder/Managing Director of both Greatest Good and Harbridge Optimal Performance. Greatest Good is a one-stop hub helping individuals and organisations to their greatest good, by finding and supporting social enterprises, charities/other not-for-profits and B Corps aligned with their values, then supporting them in a meaningful way for each person. Greatest Good is B Corp and People & Planet certified. This enlightening discussion explores Jenni’s journey from the corporate sector to creating a vibrant ecosystem that connects conscious consumers with for-purpose organisations. Greatest Good serves as a directory, community, and marketplace, making it easier for individuals to support organisations that align with their values. Discover how Jenni's innovative platform bridges the gap between social enterprises, charities, and conscious consumers, ultimately building a stronger for-purpose sector committed to tackling social and environmental challenges. Tune in to learn about Jenni’s belief in the power of love within business, her insights into the significance of ikigai, and her ambitious vision for a future where every organisation can thrive on shared values. This episode will inspire you to reconsider the possibilities of aligning positivity with profitability. Enjoy!   Connect with Jenni and Greatest Good Website: Greatest Good - Helping you do good, find and support Australian social enterprises, B Corps, charities and not for profits, ethical directory, ethical shopping Greatest Good Australian Christmas Gift Guide: Australian Christmas Gift Guide Shop the entire Greatest Good range: Social Impact Marketplace | Greatest Good Australia Make a donation to a registered charity: Impactful Donations | Greatest Good

Welcome to the For Love and Money podcast where business and social purpose meet. In this episode, host Carolyn Butler-Madden dives into the inspiring journey of Louisa Mackay, founder and chief lemon peeler of Byroncello, a locally crafted Limoncello from Byron Bay. Through Byroncello, Louisa has combined her passion for entrepreneurship and her love of learning new things to cultivate a brand that celebrates the rich flavours of locally sourced ingredients through handcrafted liqueurs. With a background in marketing and an appreciation for sustainable practices, Louisa has positioned Byroncello as a growing name in the local Byron Bay craft beverage industry. Her approach highlights the beauty of the region and the common traits it shares with Italy–the home of Limoncello–while supporting local farmers and producers. Carolyn explores Louisa's multifaceted career, her experiences in the marketing world, and the passion that led her to start Byroncello during the pandemic. Join us as Louisa shares her personal and organic approach to building the Byroncello brand, despite having no previous experience in the alcohol industry. Discover the uplifting mantra of Byroncello, "When lemons give you life," and gain insight into the unexpected support Louisa received from her community. This episode is a celebration of finding joy in what you do and letting love drive your entrepreneurial spirit. Tune in and be inspired by Louisa's story of growth, authenticity, and the joyful art of creating something you love. Connect with Louisa Louisa's Linkedin Profile Byroncello website Byroncello on Instagram    

In this episode of the For Love and Money podcast, Carolyn Butler-Madden explores the concept of being a purpose-led business or leader by challenging the traditional notion of starting with "why". She introduces the idea of starting with "who" as a fundamental approach to understanding and defining a business's purpose. By understanding who you are as an organisation and whom you’re aiming to serve, leaders can build a more authentic, connected brand purpose that deeply resonates with both their people and customers. Carolyn delves into the success story of Liquid Death, a beverage brand that has disrupted the bottled water market with its rebellious and sustainable branding. She illustrates how Liquid Death's unique identity and understanding of its audience have propelled it to success. Carolyn revisits Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" framework, using Apple's evolution as an example to highlight the importance of aligning a brand's identity with its purpose. She argues that businesses need to understand their unique characteristics and values—'who' they are—to truly connect with their 'why' and drive meaningful change. Carolyn also addresses the limitations of generic purpose statements, using Australia's major banks as examples, and highlights the vital role that meaningful purpose can play in connecting with employees, customers, and communities. Throughout the episode, Carolyn emphasises the significance of a meaningful purpose in today's business landscape, exploring its impact on financial performance and societal contributions. She encourages organisations to embark on the journey of discovering "who" they are to build deeper connections with stakeholders and foster a movement for positive change.   Key Takeaways: Rethinking Purpose: Start with WHO: Uncover why understanding your organisation’s unique identity and values can transform your purpose from a "nice-to-have" statement into a powerful rallying call. Liquid Death Example: Learn how this unconventional bottled water brand redefined its category by embracing a bold identity that aligns with environmentally conscious consumers and builds a community around "people like us." Purpose Beyond Profit: Carolyn shares her definition of purpose—“the change your organisation contributes to society in a financially sustainable way, through and beyond your products”—and explains why it’s essential for today’s world. Crafting a Meaningful Purpose Statement: Insightful questions to start your journey with WHO.   Links: Related episode: Episode 25 “People Like Us” https://www.thecauseeffect.com.au/the-podcast/episode/1f223990/ep-25-carolyn-butler-madden-chief-purpose-activist-at-the-cause-effect-on-people-like-us   Referenced episode: Episode 16 Nicky Sparshott, CEO Unilever Australia & New Zealand (now Global Chief Transformation Officer, Unilever) on Purposeful Leadership https://www.thecauseeffect.com.au/the-podcast/episode/1c69381f/ep-16-nicky-sparshott-ceo-of-unilever-australia-and-new-zealand-on-purposeful-leadership   Learn more about my work and how you can Start with WHO here Connect with me on Linkedin here

"Gently shoving elephants" (in case you're scratching your head), is a metaphor for the work Phil and I are doing in supporting purpose-driven business transformation. But before we get into that, I'm excited to introduce you to my collaborator-in-purpose, Phil Preston. Phil helps leaders and teams navigate change with purpose so they can respond to the powerful forces impacting their organisations. After leading high-performance teams in corporate roles, he went out on his own and spent time in Boston with Harvard leaders in the business purpose field. Since then he’s worked with more than a hundred clients across all sectors as a speaker, strategist and facilitator. Phil’s the author of Connecting Profit with Purpose and was recently featured in The CEO Magazine, CPA’s InTheBlack and the AFR report on purpose in business. In this episode, Phil shares his journey from corporate roles to becoming a strategist and speaker, working with over 100 clients across sectors to connect profit with purpose. He emphasises the importance of genuine care in business, reflecting on his own transition from a corporate career to pursuing purposeful work. Phil discusses the concept of Shared Value, illustrating how businesses can address societal challenges while benefiting commercially. He shares insights from his experience, including his time with Harvard leaders in the business purpose field, and highlights how organisations can leverage purpose to navigate today's fast-paced, change-driven environment. We touch on the UN Global Goals and the research the UN Global Compact has done on the market opportunity represented by these goals - valued at, at least US$12 trillion. Later in the episode, we share our collaboration, aiming to support purpose-driven leaders in transforming their organisations. We discuss the challenges these leaders face and share our vision to create a community where like-minded individuals can share experiences and strategies to accelerate their purpose journey. The episode concludes with Phil's vision for the future, focusing on expanding our impact and fostering the next generation of purpose-driven leaders.   Connect with Phil Phil Preston on Linkedin Phil's website  Learn about Phil and Carolyn's solutions for purpose-led leaders  

Welcome to part two of the For Love and Money podcast's special Intrepid episode, "Cultural Immersion in Australia's Red Centre". In this episode, Carolyn Butler-Madden continues her journey through Central Australia, sharing the second part of her transformative experience with Intrepid Travel. Join us as we delve deeper into the stories and insights of Benji Kenny, owner of 100% Finke Cultural Adventure Tours, as he introduces us to Rodna Homelands and the profound connection his people have with the land. Hear from my fellow travellers about their personal highlights and reflections, and discover the beauty and significance of one of the world's oldest rivers, the Finke River. This episode offers an enriching perspective on the importance of connecting with Australia's First Nations culture and the land itself. Whether you're an avid traveller or someone seeking a deeper understanding of cultural heritage, this episode is sure to inspire and enlighten. If you missed Part 1 of this episode, tune in here.   Learn more about Intrepid  Learn about Intrepid's Cultural Immersion Tour here